by Shaw, Vicki
Hi Jake,
Just thought I would let you know I’m leaving to go to Perth for 10 days. I’m sure Martin has already filled you in. I will be back in time to go back to Rocky with you. Let me know if any plans change. I’ll have my phone on me.
Roxie
It didn’t take long before I receive a message back.
Roxie,
I’m not happy about you going away and not taking the bodyguard or Martin with you. However, I don’t think they will follow you there or even know you are gone. You should be safe but please still take precautions we don’t know how these guys are getting info on you.
Stay safe
Jake
I’m relieved that I didn’t have to fight with Jake on this as well. There is no way I’m backing down so it would have been no use for him to try and stop me. Unless he arrested me, there was nothing he could say or do to keep me here.
I have already rang and booked the cab to be here at 11 am so I didn’t really have a lot to do. I decided that I would go and make sure my camera is clean and ready to go. After I’m satisfied, I have everything I will need I take all my bags down and put it next to the door.
I sit down and try to read while I wait for the cab to come. My mind keeps floating back to Martin. I am hurt that he hasn’t at least sent me a message. I know that I hurt him when I told him it was over, but I thought that if you really care for someone you would fight to be together. I didn’t really want to end things, but he just pushed me too far. I’ll see if he contacts me while I’m away.
When I put Martin out of my head, my mind then turns to file and where it could be. I have no idea if it is a paper file, a USB drive or some kind of storage device. Why couldn’t Mum and Dad have made it clearer where this file is? I know there is information on there that is harmful to some big corrupt guy but if he has so much money, surely he would be able to pay his way out of it. There has to be more on there than just fake passports. But what? I wonder if maybe they left it with their solicitor? But if they did surely he would have told me when he read Dads will. Maybe it's in a safe deposit box at the bank. But if they had one wouldn’t it all be included in the will? And if it weren't when all Dads bank accounts got closed wouldn’t the bank have told the solicitor? There are so many unanswered questions. I think I will start writing it all down so when I get back, Jake can look into it.
The cab pulls up and the driver honks the horn. I grab my bags and head out the door. Let the fun being. Now that I’m not sitting around the excitement is starting to build again. It is only a few hours until I start my biggest paid photography job. I’m hoping that after this I will get more work from their recognitions. (Of course I have to do an awesome job first). I pull the door closed, dump my bags in the boot. I run around and jump in the back seat and tell the driver where I’m going. I have more energy right now that I have in months if not years. I feel like a little kid going on a first holiday.
At the airport, I find a shop to buy a notebook and a pen then I find somewhere to buy a takeaway coffee. I’m now set for my wait before boarding. I find the right terminal, take a seat and pull out my book to read to pass the time I have left before I have to get on the plane. Before I know it, they are calling my flight. I take a deep breath, stand and make my way over to the gate. I’m not looking forward to the five-hour flight, but it will give me time to write all my ideas down. I find my seat quickly and am pleased that I have a window seat.
The flight didn’t drag out as much as I thought it would. By the time I had written out all I could think of about where the file could be, had the meal the airline provided and watched a movie we were not long from landing. I even managed a short nap.
When we land, I make my way to collect my bag. I can not believe my eyes when I see a tall, dark and hot as hell guy standing there with my name on a sign. I have never had this done before so I am a little taken aback and embarrassed. I slowly walk up to the guy to introduce myself.
“ Hi. I’m Roxie Wilson.” I do not know what the right etiquette is for this situation. Do I shake his hand or not? He must see how unsure I am because a loop sided grin brakes out across his face.
“Good afternoon Ms. Wilson. Mr. Richards from Grand Palms Resort sent me to collect you and take you to your accommodation. It is in the heart of the city and about 45 minutes to the new resort.”
“Which bags are yours?” he asked. I point to my bags and he easily picks them up off the conveyor belt. I am feeling a little confused at the moment. Mr. Richards, who I’ve been talking to, told me there would be a car ready at the car rental stand.
“Sorry, I didn’t catch your name.”
“Sorry. I’m Aiden Parker.” He places my bags down and extends his hand for me to shake.
“Mr. Richards told me there would be a hire car waiting for me that I could use for my stay.” I am trying really hard to keep my breathing even and not get stressed. With everything that has been going on, when plans get changed without me knowing beforehand, I start to have panic attacks. I am taking loud, slow deep breaths.
“All I know is Mr. Richards rang and asked me to come to pick you up today and be available to take you anywhere you need to go for your stay.” The tone of his voice gives me the feeling that he is not telling me everything, and I bet I know what it is. Jake and Martin. Jake would know who I was working for because he would have got the number from tracking my calls. I should have known he would not let me go that easy. I should also have known he would not let me go without having something in place to keep me safe.
Aiden picks my bags back up and walks towards the exit. I have no choice but to follow. When we reach the VIP car park, Aiden leads me to a black SUV. He put my bags in the boot and opens the back passenger door for me. I climb in and click my seatbelt on.
As the car is weaving through the streets of Perth, I am thinking about the fact that Jake interfered in my work. I can understand why, but it still upsets me that he did not talk to me about it. I decide that I will send him a message letting him know just how unimpressed I am.
Jake,
I am not very impressed that you have interfered with my work. I am not going to fight with you about the driver/ babysitter/ bodyguard. Yes, I know he is a bodyguard. The way he holds himself is a dead give away. If there are any other changes you have made, please let me know now. No more surprises. I am jumpy enough as it is.
Roxie
I think about sending Martin a message to let him know that I got here safe but decide not to. I know Jake will tell him everything anyway. I tuck my phone into the side pocket of my small handbag and look out the window.
I have never been to Perth so I am excited to take in all the sights. Because of the time difference it is still early afternoon. Perth is not really that different from the other cities I have been to with the buildings. However, it is a lot prettier, cleaner somehow. We drive past a lake which is spotted with black swans floating on the top. I make a mental note to come back with my camera when the sun is setting if I have time before I leave.
We pull up at the resort I am staying in. Mr. Richards told me this is another one they own. I am impressed with the style of the front entry. It gives you the feel of being in the tropics. If the resort I am photographing is anything like this one my job will be easy. Aiden gets out of the drivers seat, comes around and opens my door. A valet and bell boy meet Aiden as he turns around. He hands the valet the keys and gives instructions to keep it close. He then tells the bellboy to deliver my bags to the rooms.
“Won't you need the car to leave?” I ask confused. I am sure I already know the answer.
“Not unless you want to go somewhere now. I am staying in the room next to yours.” He seems amused by the whole situation.
“You have to be fucking kidding me,” I mumbled under my breath. I hear him chuckle which only fuels my anger. I throw a dagger at his back with my eyes. If looks could kill, he would be dead. I am glad he finds this so amusing.
He w
alks over to the reception desk and checks me in, then leads me to my room. I am stomping my feet as I follow him like a child throwing a tantrum. I can not help it, I am pissed off that Jake did not enlighten me about my babysitter staying in the room next door. What part of I want to do this on my own didn’t they understand? I check to see if there is a message from him. Nothing, so I send him one.
Jake
Thanks for the heads up about the babysitter staying in the room next door.
NOT HAPPY!!!!!!!!!
Roxie
We reach my room and Aiden hands me my keycard as well as a card with all his contact numbers.
“I’m in the room next door. If you need anything or need to go anywhere just give me a call.”
I grunt in reply which gets another chuckle and a shack of his head. Really, I don’t mean to be rude or a bitch but ever since I have meet Martin, I feel like my world has shifted on its axis. For some reason, Martin brings our my inner bitch. I can’t keep my thoughts together and with the messages and phone calls I am even more on edge.
“Jake said this job would be fun, I didn’t believe him until now.” I open my door, walk through it, turn and slam it in his face. I can hear him laughing as he walks away. “Arse,” I say to myself. I knew Mr. Richards would not have changed the plans without telling me unless someone or someones, Namely, Jake and Martin, had something to do with it.
Looking around the room I can not believe my eyes. The room is amazing. It is more a suite than just a room. It has a sitting room that leads to a deck throw double French doors. To the left, there is a bedroom with a king size bed and a bathroom that is bigger than my old childhood bedroom. Seeing the bed and bathroom makes me think of Martin and all the things we could get up to. Maybe I should have let him come with me. NO. I tell myself. I have to do this on my own. It is bad enough that I now have a babysitter thanks to Jake. I bet Martin also had something to do with it as well. However, I am not going to call or text him about it. Just as that thought leaves my head, my phone rings making me jump out of my skin.
I look at the caller ID and it is not a number I know. My heart rate picks up, my palms start to sweat andI start to shake.
“Hello,” I answer timidly. My breathing is coming out in short puffs as my panic is rising.
“Roxie, It’s Jake.”
It takes me a few moments before it sinks in who just spoke. My breath starts to slow down and I start to relax a little.
“Roxie are you there? Is everything ok? Where is Aiden?”
“What the fuck Jake? You scared the shit out of me. Why are you ringing from that number and not your own?” Now that I am not so freaked out I am pissed.
“Shit, Roxie, I’m sorry. The phone I normally ring from is my work phone. It went flat while I was in court. I was only able to read your messages before it turned off. This is my personal phone. I didn’t realise you didn’t have this number.”
“Whatever. Thanks for the babysitter. Did Martin have anything to do with this?” I am trying to keep my anger under control, but it is not working.
“Look, Roxie, Both Martin and I are concerned about your welfare. At the start yes it was Martins idea. However, I am the one to put it all in place. We do not know what these people are capable of, or what surveillance they have on you. At this stage, it is better to be safe than sorry. If it were anyone else, this whole thing would be being handled differently. You would have been put in witness protection. I have pulled some strings and called in some favours and that is the only reason you are on the other side of the country right now. The only reason I am putting my neck on the line is because I can see how much Martin cares for you. In all the years, I have known Martin I have only seen him like this once. Even then I do not think he was so deeply in love as he is with you. Please do not fight me on this or I will have to get Aiden to bring you back now.” His voice sounds tired. I know he had been working really hard on this case when he did not have to take it on. He already had a full load of cases. There is nothing I can do about my babysitter, but I am grateful Jake and Martin are helping me. I would go mad if I were put into witness protection.
The fight in me deflates. “I’m sorry Jake I didn't know just how much you were putting on the line for me. I will not give Aiden any more of a hard time. I’m sure he thinks I'm a spoiled brat.” Jake laughs when I say that.
“What were you talking about when you said you have only seen Martin like this once before?” I need to know what he was talking about. Maybe there is an ex out there I need to worry about. Martin has never talked about his past relationships even though he knows all about Steve. Has he been hiding something from me? If he isn’t, then why has he not said anything?
“I’m sorry. I should not have said anything. If you want to know more, you will have to ask Martin about it. He is going to kill me as it is because I said anything to you. I will tell you something, He is a mess since you walked out on him. Please think about how much he cares about you and if you care about him before you come back. I can’t stand to see him like this.”
I do not know what to say to Jake. Right now I need to do my own thing without interference from a relationship. I hate knowing I have caused Martin so much hurt. Maybe I'm selfish, maybe I should let my guard down just a little.
“Ok, Jake I will think about it. I will talk to you later.” I hung up before Jake can say anything else.
My heart and mind are a mess. Why does everything have to happen all a once? I have people who are trying to kill me for a file I know nothing about. I have found the man of my dreams, but I’m not ready for him. And my dream career is just starting to work out. GRRR, right now I have to concentrate on this job and getting it finished. If I do a great job, this could open all the doors I need to really kick start my own business. I need to push everything out of my head until I am finished here. I can not screw this job up.
I have the afternoon and night off. I am not meeting Mr Richards until 9 am tomorrow at the new resort. Not knowing how much free time I am going to get while I am here maybe I should take advantage of the daylight that is left now. I should find a beach, take my camera and explore a little. I am debating if I should or not when there is a knock on the door. There is no peep hole for me to see who it is. I do not know if I should open it or not. What the bloody hell is wrong with me? I have always faced things head on. Now it is like I am a scared little kitten jumping at every little sound.
“Who is it,” I yell from behind the door, gripping my phone I am still holding from the call with Jake.
“Ms. Wilson. It is Aiden. The bellboy just brought our bags up and left yours in my room.”
I slowly open the door just to make sure that it really is Aiden and he is by himself. I know Jake said he sent him, but I am still nervous around people I do not know, after all if something were to happen Jake and Martin are on the other side of the country.
Aiden walks in with my bags and takes them into the bedroom. I do not follow him in because I get an uneasy feeling around him. Every time he looks at me a shiver runs down my spine. Jake trusts him or he would not have hired him. Maybe if I got to know him a little better, it would make me feel more comfortable around him.
“I just got off the phone to Jake and he told me he was the one who hired you. So are you a cop as well?” Ok, maybe I should try and keep the bitchiness out of my voice. He would have got information about me and what is happening from Jake so it is only fair that I get some on him.
“I used to work wth Jake a few yeas ago, but now I run my own bodyguard service. I also do PI work when a job calls for it. Jake and I go way back and he always calls on me if he needs to and if I need him he helps me out.” I get the feeling that is about all I am going to get out of him for now.
“I was about to call you before you knocked on my door. I do not have to meet Mr. Richards until 9 am tomorrow so I was thinking about taking my camera out for a while. Is there any nice beaches or piers around here?” I ask as sweetly as I ca
n. I do not know if he is just meant to take me to the resort and back or if he can take me other places.
“I can take you to the beach. I know one that has a pier over the water. There are normally kitesurfers there if the conditions are right.”
“Great.” It is the fist time I feel any excitement since I have been here. “I will just grab my camera and we can go.” I run into the bedroom and get my camera bag. I follow Aiden out the door and to the front entrance. The car is already waiting for us. He must have called down while I was in the bedroom. He opens the back door for me and waits as I climb in. He walks around the front and gets in the drivers door. We drive around the outside of the city. This time, I try and not lose myself in thoughts so I can take in all the building. We come to a slightly hilly area and I feel like we are not headed for the coast but out to the bush.
“Are you sure we are going the right way?” I ask because I am starting to get a little worried.
“Don’t worry I know where I am going. It is not that far up ahead.” He said as he looked in the rear-view mirror.
He had only just finished talking when we came to a hill. When we reach the top, we were looking right at the ocean. The street comes to a T intersection where we turned right and followed the coastline a little. There is a footpath running in line with the road on one side and raised above the beach on the other. Aiden drives to a small parking lot and finds a park. As I get out of the car, the salt air hits my face and fills my lungs as I take a deep refreshing breath.The wind is whipping my hair around my face and into my eyes as I try and take in the landscape and ocean around me. There is a walkway that leads down to the beach and a pier over the water. The rocky cliff face is about eight meters high when I reach the beach. There are small caves and rock formations from years of being exposed to the elements battering it. I pull my camera out and take some photos of the unusual formations. Once I am finished, I walk over to the pier. There are about 50 kitesurfers out on the water because it is so windy. I stand there and just watch them. I am amazed at how fast they move over the water and also how high they go in the air when they jump the waves. It is so relaxing just watching them. They look so free, without a care in the word. I would give anything to feel like that even if it were only for a few hours. I lose track of time watching the kite surfers and taking photos. The sun is starting to get lower in the sky reflecting off the choppy water making it look like millions of diamonds twinkling. I must have gotten hundreds of photos. I want to show Mr. Richards these as well. My idea is to find places visitors would like to go and add them to the ones of the resort. Perth really is a beautiful place and should be shown off to draw in more tourists.
